Sunday, August 31, 2008
Tow from Canada
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Saturday, August 30, 2008
Keith Pleas pays a visit
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Train Wreck
This 41' trawler had a clogged raw water strainer and needed a wrench to get the cap off. What ensued was a 4.5 hour job to get the wrench.
He called at 07:30 and asked if we could bring him a 16" crescent wrench. Not a problem. A round trip to Spencer Spit is a little over 2 hrs at normal cruise. I rounded up the 16" and an 18" from Les's healthy collection of tools and got underway. But wait, there's more;
Upon arriving neither wrench is big enough and he really needs a pipe wrench to grab to top of the gnarled nob. He asks if I can go back and get more wrenches - SURE.
But wait, there's more;
While he is feverishly trying to get the strainer free I notice a mess o' 1 lb propane bombs in the cabin. I kindly suggest that he move them outside before I return. I call Les and order up a pipe wrench, channel locks and a chain wrench, and get underway for FH.
But wait, there's more;
Upon my return he decides to attempt the pipe wrench first, but not before I suggest that it might be a good idea to close the through hull.
But wait, there's more;
I discover that the customer is a deck hand aboard a supply ship in the gulf.
I think I'll stay in the San Juans.
Aground @ Blaine
Luckily the anchored the boat and called us to go get it when the tide came up. A 5hr round trip: ouch!
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A loyal BE reader
Capt. John Konrad, founder of gCaptain writes:
Richard,
That is far and away the coolest hat I've had in years!! Great Job! My wife was out till dark so your going to have to settle on a replacement photo (attached); It's our loyalist reader and Bitterend fan Captain John Adam Konrad VI at the helm of his Tidewater tugboat the M/V Morro Fog.
BTW - who made the hats for you? I've been meaning to get some gCaptain one's done.
John
----
Thanks John,
I'm really pleased with the hats as well, and have just ordered two dozen more. The work was done at North Star Embroidery in Anacortes, WA. Joel Keifer is the proprietor and is easy to work with. You can reach him at 360-488-0530 or via email, here.
Richard
Friday, August 29, 2008
Foggy Pull to Anacortes
In Harney Channel
Relief at the dock in Anacortes
This 39' Benateau had shered an alternator bolt. I had her under tow to Anacortes. It was foggy enough to particpate in VTS today.
WS Ferry worker awarded $2.8 million from state
The Seattle PI is reporting:
A worker at Washington State Ferries won a nearly $2.8 million judgment against the state this week after a federal jury found that his bosses had retaliated against him when he complained about paycheck padding and misuse of funds in his department.
Ken Marable, a longtime chief engineer, made allegations that that his supervisor had earned $245,500 over his contract salary in five years, from 1998 to 2002.
The full post is here.
Speed Bumps
While most power boaters call kayakers "speed bumps," it is important to know that they play an important part of the local maritime scene. Truth be known, I've owned four kayaks over the years; a glass poke boat, a rotomolded VCP Skerry, an Aire inflatable (double,) and a folding Seavivor.That said, one of our leading outfitters here in Friday Harbor is Discovery Sea Kayaks. They really emphasize safety. If you're at all thinking about going out for an afternoon or a multiday trip - This Is the Place.
There aren't many places in the San Juans to buy quality gear - Discovery Sea Kayaks is one. They are located immediately north of the ferry landing above the Ice Cream Shop. In addition to great gear both Richard and Jason have lots of local knowledge. Drop by and pay them a visit.Additionally, my buddy Ivan at Western Prince Whale Whatching has a booking office in the shop.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Remedy - Not Under Command
Remedy - being hip towed by our tug Badger
She's has worked hard all season, but this afternoon I got underway for a gillnetter aground in Boundary Bay and made it all of .7 nm before she gave up the ghost.
Yesterday I experienced a transmission problem and today it appeared to be the distributor. Will do more work tomorrow.
In the meantime, I'll use our backup boat, a 21' Shamrock - Vessel Assist Relief. Stay tuned.
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Bad Vibrations
The Coastal Renaissance arrives in Departure Bay, Nanaimo. (CBC)
The CBC is reporting:
Residents living next to the BC Ferries terminal in Nanaimo say the low-frequency vibrations emitted by the company's new, supersize ferries are threatening their homes.
Bob Wiekenkamp, a retired engineer who lives about 60 metres from the terminal, said when the new Coastal Renaissance ferry arrived last fall at the Departure Bay terminal, it felt like an earthquake rattled his home.
The full post is here.
(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Rod of Vickie and Rods Notebook to leading us to the above.)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Name the BE Ocotpus - win a hat
Copyright © 2008, Capt. Richard J. RodriguezHere are the rules:
1. Your entry must appear as a comment on this post.
2. An explanation of the name is encouraged.
3. The winner must agree to have his/her picture posted modeling the hat.
4. The contest is over concludes on Thurs, Sept 4, 2008 at midnight PDT.
Hopefully the winner will BE able to pick up the hat at the Raft Up.
(Ed. note: I'm claiming BEatrice, BEcause of the obvious.)
Comment of the Week!
From: Anonymous
To: Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez
Sent: Aug 27, 2008 13:53
Subject: [BitterEnd] New comment on Call #100 for the season.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Call #100 for the season":
Richard, I'm a BE fan but, up until now, I haven't had a reason to comment. (Although you have on occasion made me snort my coffee all over my laptop.) I've been following your adventures with Oh Joy and after this third tow, I thought I'd drop you a note.We owned Oh Joy from 2000 through 2007 and I wanted to thank you for keeping her out of harms way. And to offer a tip of the hat to this latest owner for keeping the old girl going.I have my masters ticket, but I sure do wish there had been a program like yours back when I was testing. We now sail Oh Joy II, our Mason 44, and we hope to betsy that we only ever meet you at the dock. Hi ho, Harry
Posted by Anonymous to BitterEnd; at August 27, 2008 1:53 PM
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Another Shot from Monday
This one was taken by the owner of the Tiara I had under tow, David N., from Vancouver, WA. It's beats the hell out of my cell phone pics - but it ain't almost real time.
Follow the buz over at SailingAnarchy. LOL - I was refered to as "this guy" who passes by here constantly. My guess is less than 10% of my tows have been to Anacortes.
Run to the border
This 28' Carver experienced mechanical problems off North Pender Island, BC. I picked up the tow over the border. We will both need to clear customs. A run of 5.5 hours.
Vessel Assist Ganges (BC) who passed the tow off to me.
Vessel Assist Ganges (BC) who passed the tow off to me.
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Shot of the day!
She is at Loverick's in Anacortes. She has been the worst kept secret in town.
BMW Oracle SiteWikipedia info HERE
Monday, August 25, 2008
You saw it here FIRST
BMW Oracle taking to the water in Anacortes as I am on the Tiara tow below.
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Seven hour pull to Anacortes
With any luck I'll get to spend the night at home.
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WA ferry Elwha pulled back out of service
The Seattle Times is reporting:
" The 144-car Elwha's return to service in the San Juan Islands didn't happen. The 40-year-old state ferry was unable to get back into service on Saturday because of additional mechanical problems. Washington State Ferries officials hoped to have the Elwha back on the route a week and a half after it was to be replaced by the 90-car Sealth because of a problem with its propulsion-control cooling system."
You can find the full article here:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_wa_ferry_returns.html
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Your Name Could be HERE
Congratulations Capt. Ince.An email from Steve arrived yesterday:
This was in the mail when we got home from SYC yesterday. Thanks, Richard, I wouldn't have done this if we hadn't met you folks at Shipyard C. --- Steve.
Just a reminder our next Zenith Maritime Course starts in Friday Harbor on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2009 - 17:30 in the meeting room upstairs at Paradise Lanes. All are welcome the first evening for an orientation.
The price is the same as it was six seasons ago. Who else can say that.
We still have room! Contact me HERE for more details
This was in the mail when we got home from SYC yesterday. Thanks, Richard, I wouldn't have done this if we hadn't met you folks at Shipyard C. --- Steve.
Just a reminder our next Zenith Maritime Course starts in Friday Harbor on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2009 - 17:30 in the meeting room upstairs at Paradise Lanes. All are welcome the first evening for an orientation.
The price is the same as it was six seasons ago. Who else can say that.
We still have room! Contact me HERE for more details
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Seriously LOST
A 20's something daughter and her BF set off from Decatur Island for Fisherman's Bay on Lopez in a 1979 21' Glassply at 17:00, for what should have been a 45 minute trip.
At 21:00 I got a phone call saying that they were lost, and could I please come get them - my number had been given to them by the sheriff's office. She had a cell phone with a bad. connection, and could not work the radio. I went through the drill of a 2 hour nighttime rate minimum plus a call out fee. She said she'd call back. Experience has taught me that it was time to get underway.
A flurry of garbled cell phone calls ensued. The usual questions of what did you pass, what can see, followed with no luck. She has a hard time describing the boat, and says it's about 15' and white. In the meantime I got a call from Dad (in Oklahoma City.) I confirm the location of the anchor and flares on the vessel.
I decide to call the CG and inform them of the situation and let them know that I'm going to ask the vessel to launch a flare. Within minutes a WA state park ranger calls the CG and reports the flare siting South East of Cattle Pass. I'm about eight miles away.
As I head for Cattle Pass I hear the strand come up on Ch 13. It just so happens that one of my three radios is set to 13 to work commercial traffic. I manage to get her to change the channel to 16 and ask the CG to DF (direction find) her position via Rescue 21. Because of her location the CG can only get one line of position and the fix is 1.1 .miles off. (This is only the second time this season I've requested a DF fix and in both instances the fix was off.)
At this point I asked for the second of their three flares to be fired and was able to site it to the South and East of Cattle Pass. At 22:45 I find the vessel with my spot light just South of Long Island. I call the CG and Dad. Dad passes me his credit card number and we're off for Decatur via the South side of Lopez.
My time underway, 4.95 hours.
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USS Constellation - Captain's Gig
Something for your blog (from my Zenith Maritime buddy Capt. John Baird)
I just finished surveying an old Grandy (28' double planked cedar bottom with bronze fasteners with a moderate case of alloy breakdown) and had to splash asap since water was getting slim in the lift-out well. Since the Grandy wouldn't start - we put her on the hip of Miss Piggy. On the way back to her slip - we passed the Captain's gig from the USS Constellation (CV 64) in dock at the US Navy's shipyard at Bremerton. Thought your readers would lilke to see her.
Juan
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A few pics from yesterday
What's wrong with this pic?Be sure to leave a comment -
14:30 update: Don't miss the lively discussion in the comment section
Friday, August 22, 2008
Call #100 for the season
Picked her up in Rosario Strait bound for Bellingham. Interestingly, she is on her way to be hauled for a new engine.
The owner, Charles is a BE reader.
100 calls is always the magic point. With a little over a week to go volume is already well ahead of 2007's record.
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More BE Hat Models
Boat Babes
Abby, Erin & Laurie, all from the IPS Friday Harbor Fuel Dock, are modeling their new chapeaus. Sorry it was so dark - the last few days the weather here has resembled October.
Look high to see the BE Burgee on Remedy's mast.
Tom R. - Port Hadlock, WA
(I have no idea who the guy in the hat is)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Win This Shirt
(Ed. note: my buddy and Zenith Maritime founder is about to start a blog and needs help with a name for a blog. Here are the details:)
John Baird of Zenith Maritime is planning to start a new license training blog which will reflect his Seattle Master 100 - OUPV license training class starting 16 September. This blog is no way or manner an USCG approved license training activity - but John will cover (on a regular basis) the required subject areas which are piloting, navigation general, rules of the road and deck general. This should be an interesting excursion for those mariners wishing to get an handle on what this license training thing is all about or just be educated and entertained. The only problem is...he needs a neat, nifty name for his new blog...got any ideas? Winner gets a deluxe Zenith Maritime polo shirt.
The contest runs through Labor Day
Send your entries to Capt. Baird, here.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Stormy night run
Was gone 3.5 hrs to Echo Bay. Sea Scout Ship Odyssey (Pacific Harbors Council, based in Tacoma) a 90' yawl was dragging anchor in 35 kt winds, last night.Both Vessel Assist Solution and I ran on this call at 22:20 last night. They were dragging anchor with in an exposed anchorage with 19 persons aboard. They put down a second hook, but somehow fouled. Additionally they got a line hung up in the wheel which kept them from steaming rode into the stink.
We were able to arrive before the two CG vessels, a 87' Cutter a small boat. I believe that they probably got hung up on a state park mooring buoy. We'll know more after a diver gets on scene later this am.
An interesting aside: A number of you are aware that I spent 24 years in the professional ranks of the Boy Scouts, having served on the National Staff and working as the Council Executive in two different councils.
It is hard for me to fathom that the Master of the vessel could not reach his emergency contacts when needed in the middle of the night. BSA "High Adventure" programs have inherent risk and contingencies should be in place for just about every situation.
8/20/08 Update:
My partner Capt. Bill West returned to Odyssey today for a dive. The stern anchor rode was wrapped around the wheel, and the bow anchors were tangled in a mooring.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Docking assist @ Roche Harbor
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43' Sabre en route to Jensen's
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Capt. Ross Peickert checks in
Hello Captain,
I just wanted you to know that I received my license a month ago and am running the Guemes Ferry on about 4-6 days a month to start. I already have 5 solo shifts under my belt. It was worth all the time and effort.
Thanks,
Ross
(Ed. note: Capt. Peickert is a graduate from our most recent Zenith Maritime Course in Anacortes)
Monday, August 18, 2008
34' Tollycraft - Part deux
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A simple jump start at the Customs Dock
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80 gal of diesel in a gas boat
In that the customer accepts the hose from the folks at the fuel dock, he'll be responsible. I only had an hour in this job.
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Happy Campers 2.0
Just received the following email and pics from Happy Campers Lisa and Kevin:
Yes we are. Captain Richard, thanks to you we not only got a quick tow back to port but also a great meal …
It took us 24 hours to find someone to work on the boats engine; we finally flew parts up from Seattle and made it over to Lopez Island in time for our dinner reservations at The Bay Caf̩. I included a few pictures for you to share Рthanks again.
Lisa & Kevin
Capt. Steppe Williford
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Sunday, August 17, 2008
An interesting case
When I arrived he was crawling along the dock to untie his boat.
His dink was full of water. I pumped it out and tied it short to Remedy. For the few lurkers here who believe me to be heartless - I didn't claim salvage.
He is a VA member so today's tow from Roche Harbor to Anacortes is covered.
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A few more pics from Last Night's Tow
Arrived off the Cherry Pt Refinery at dusk. The moon was full and the light from the sunset was perfect. I only had my cell phone camera. The light was perfect.
The tug Garth Foss was hooking up Polar Adventure to take her to the slip.
I contacted Seattle Traffic and made passing arrangements adding a few minutes to our trip. I'd never seen Bellingham Bay as smooth as it was last night.
A Towing Question on Hip Towing
On the hipHi Richard, I am a viewer from down under, and find the activities, not only of what you do, but others interesting. Would you mind sharing some comments or where you would tow as against on the hip, and what are the tie points you use with both. Cheers and thanks in advance.
-------
Hi Anonymous,
While the concept for hip towing vessels is the same, however it is important to know that each pair handles a little differently. Wind and current will add to the equation.
If there is one mistake that most folks make, it is not tying up far enough aft. Warning - do not attempt this maneuver unless you've had training.
More info at Gary's Nautical Info, here.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Circle of Life
This new orca calf, swimming alongside its mother, was discovered Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2008, hours after its birth on the west side of San Juan Island, say scientists with The Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor. The baby orca, designated L111, was born to L pod. (Provided by The Center for Whale Research)A week ago several news sources reported that the 95 year old Orca K-7 aka Granny was missing and presumed dead. The Seattle PI post on the story is here. Here's and excerpt:
The oldest orca among the pods that frequent Puget Sound and the waters of the San Juan Islands has been missing since December and is believed to be dead.
Granny the orca
The Center for Whale Research is reporting the a new birth this week.
The oldest orca among the pods that frequent Puget Sound and the waters of the San Juan Islands has been missing since December and is believed to be dead.
That's according to Friday Harbor's Center for Whale Research, as cited in this story from the Victoria Times Colonist.
The whale, called Lummi and believed to have been born in 1910, must be missing for a year before officially declared dead.
Granny the orca
If the death of Lummi -- a great-great grandma from the orcas' K pod -- is confirmed, Granny takes over as the elder orca of what's known as the Southern residents.
In 2006, P-I reporter M.L. Lyke wrote an amazing narrative tracking the trials and tribulations of Granny, a member of the J pod thought to have been born in 1911.
In the meantime, the center's family tree photo of Lummi, or K7, has been turned to a faded black-and-white to represent her likely demise.
The Center for Whale Research is reporting the a new birth this week.
Center for Whale Research discoverd a new calf in L pod, early afternoon, August 12, 2008. The new calf, designated L111, is the 6th calf of L47. L111 joins sisters L83 and L91 and nephew L110 as the newest member of the L21 subgroup. L47, at age 34, is not only a new mother but also a grandmother. Her last calf, L107, was born in the summer of 2005 but did not survive more than a few months. Based on L111's size and the apparent featal folds (visable in the above photographs), Center for Whale Research staff believe the calf to have been be only a few hours old. Also, L47 was observed by Center staff without a calf in the evening of August 11, aditionally indicating that L111 was born less than 24 hours before its discovery. The total number of individuals in L pod has yet to be determined this year, however the Center has proposed that there may be at least two L pod whales missing this year. Therefore, this is an important event in L pod and the Center staff is hopefull that the calf will survive. As of December 2007, there are 43 whales in L pod. If L111 returns to the San Juan Islands next summer, it will be officially counted in the population.
For more details on the first encounter with L111 please go to: 2008_Eounters_035.html
For more details on the first encounter with L111 please go to: 2008_Eounters_035.html
(Ed. note: August 12 is a great birthday as L111 shares it with me.)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton)
10 minutes to Port Orchard
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Agate Pass @ 15:10
About 12 miles to go. We making 10 kts with the current
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More Questions
I am a regular reader of BE, and consider every picture and tale an object lesson. I'm also a new boat owner. I told my insurance broker I intended to join BoatUS and upgrade my Vessel Assist membership. He told me I didn't need to. My policy covers such costs up to the total value of the boat.
I asked why the carrier wouldn't prefer I have a membership, and save them money. He replied, "the carrier wants you to do the right thing - that's why they cover you."
Being new to all of this, it's a little beyond my grasp. Presumably the carrier (Chub) pays negotiated fees on my behalf. But they reimburse me for my payment in full. Can you make this a little more clear? I want to make sure we're prepared.
Thanks,
Bruce
-------
Hi Bruce,
Vessel Assist works much like AAA for your car.
Most towing policies have $500 of towing coverage. That would get you 2.5 hrs of coverage. The clock starts when I leave and stops when I get back.
Take a look at the 150 round trip I'm on right now. For $162 he was fully covered for 17 hrs.
Enough said!
Richard
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Off Point Wilson @ 11:00
We're beginning to catch the flood. Hitting busts of 8 kts
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10.9 Kts in Cattle Pass
Denver Herbie asks how will I pass the time? Sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Really I'll be plotting, working VTS, and making the occasional post.
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Gray's Harbor Historic Seaport
Hawaiian Chieftain
Lady WashingtonBoth vessel were in port at Cap Sante Boat Haven (Anacortes) this week. On Sunday they staged a mock battle in Guemes Channel - cannons included.
You can find out more about Gray's Harbor Historic Seaport and both vessels, here.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
BE gets results
Rick Etsell has left a new comment on your post "Classic 97' Yacht in Need of a Deck Hand through S... ":
Hey -- Captain R's Blog gets results! We found a crew member for the trip and are looking forward to meeting up with him tomorrow! Thanks for the posting Richard! Captain Rick
Posted by Rick Etsell to BitterEnd
Tomorrow's 75 mile tow to Port Orchard
I'll leave Shipyard Cove at 05:30 to have them in tow by 06:00 from Deer Harbor.
Membership does have it's privileges. This 75 mile tow about 10 - 12 hrs one way will push the limit of his Vessel Assist Gold Card Coverage.
And yes, it's a Bayliner - 30'. Be sure to follow our progress on InstaMapper or Spot. There will be a few uploaded pics via the BlackBerry.
Will probably overnight somewhere in the Seattle area. It depends on the time and fuel.
BitterEnd Hats
They are ready...if I ever make it to Anacortes I'll pick them up.
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Happy Campers
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Two hours to move a boat 12 slips
The 42' J Boat above needed to be moved 12 slips here at in Friday Harbor. The owner had called from the next state. What should have been an easy 45 minute job turned out taking two hours.
I drove to the Port, check in, found the slip and called the owner. No owner is not at his cell as promised - and the clock was ticking. About 12 minutes later he calls and I ask him to walk me through the starting process and nothing works. We now have 45 minutes involved.
I drove back to Shipyard Cove, (another 15 minutes) grabbed Remedy. We hooked up and moved the J-Boat from G 25 to G 49. Another hour underway, 20 minutes each direction and 20 minutes on scene.
The Arc on Orcas
Photography courtesy of Nick DidlickAll Rights Reserved
Email: ndidlick@telus.net
Phone: 604.202.9320
http://www.didlick.ca
This from BE Reader Tom Tillman:
A good story that you may or may not know about and I may have missed if you wrote about it already is about App Applegate who lives just up this mountain from me here on Orcas. He lives on his 80 foot, 50 tonne, three masted brigantine sailing vessel "Aproximada". You caught that he lives on the mountain ... ABOVE my house. App is an 89 year old retired physics professor who has been building this vessel by hand on his property near Doe Bay for the past few decades. He is located 400 feet above sea level in the middle of a forest with a single lane winding dirt road as his only access.
You can find more on Aproxidada, here.
(Ed. Note: Thanks for the great find Tom.)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A loose screw
The owner knew what he was doing as he'd worked tugs in Alaska for 13 years.
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MV Olympus
Last evening, former student, Capt. Rick Etsell invited me aboard the 97' MV Olympus, where he is her Master. She is working her way into BC waters until mid September, and was here in Friday Harbor for the evening.
Capt. Rick Etsell (right) and Chef Richard Lawton in the Galley
Some of Richard Lawton's work, in preparation for cocktails before dinner.
A number of you know that I've been on a massive meltdown, having lost 70# since Easter. The chef, Richard, aboard Olympus gave me a piece of cake (above) for my birthday - which happened to be yesterday...and I enjoyed it.You can find out more about MV Olympus, here.
Classic Yachting article on MV Olympus is here.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Nervous Nellie
The owner of this 1954 42' Monk just knew I was going to screw up. He told me where he wanted me to tie - in the wrong place to accomplish the task. I told him that I'd done this a few times and was capable of handling his vessel.
He was disabled at the Friday Harbor Customs Dock and needed to be moved about 100 yards.
At the end of the short move he was rather patronizing about the job that had just been done.
(Ed. note: It is rather evident that the end of the season is near.)
Classic 97' Yacht in Need of a Deck Hand through Sep. 10, 2008
Former student, Capt. Rick Etsell (206-499-1952) just called and is need of a Deck Hand NOW! The vessel will be in Friday Harbor through tomorrow or Thursday. It's also possible to join the vessel in Vancouver, BC in a few days.
This is a great opportunity to cruise a classic yacht, gain some sea time and learn from the best.
Capt. Doug Smith
Former student, Capt. Doug Smith caught up with me at Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes. Doug was in a Master's Course about three years ago. Just out of view is Two Lucky Fish, Tim Flanagan's C-Dory.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Joy Ride Cut Short
The renter was shocked at the $220 per hour rate for a tow, but did not stand us down.
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A Bagel Eggel for breakfast
A
(Ed. note: Don't miss Tim's counter post here. I keep telling his if he doens't join Vessel Assist, "You will be mine.")
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Underway for La Conner
This 25' Bayliner experienced a failed out drive. Interestingly he had the boat serviced at the same purveyor as the last Bayliner I towed. He was off Cypress Island.
Coincidence? You be the judge. And no, I'm not revealing the location here.
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A song for the day: BitterEnd
The song is here
"BitterEnd"
by the Dixie Chicks
The words that you said
They still ring in my head
Don't you know
We say goodbye
With a tear in our eye
Oh, where'd you go
It's alright you can sleep tonight
Knowing you'll always live on in a song
Farewell to old friends
Let's raise a glass to the bitter end
Farewell to old friends
Will you be the same when we see you again
Remember the days
When we'd laugh as you played
Who would have known
The water would come and just take you away
Oh, where'd you go
It's not alright
I can't sleep tonight
Knowing you should have played on
On and on
Farewell to old friends
Let's raise a glass to the bitter end
Farewell to old friends
Will you forgive me when I see you again
You had a good time
Drinking all of our wine
After the show
We all rode the wave
Of that crazy parade
Oh, where'd you go
What happened to
The ones we knew
As long as I'm the shiniest star
Oh, there you are
Farewell to old friends
Let's raise a glass to the bitter end
Farewell to old friends
We'll still be here when you come round again
Saturday, August 9, 2008
I Don't Think we're in Kansas Anymore
Last night's run was truly unique - a 41' ketch of Pt. Roberts with a disabled engine and about 20 knots of wind, leaving him unable to get to the dock. The 68 year old owner from a California high desert community reported himself 3 miles South of Point Roberts. I gave him an ETA of 1.25 to 1.5 hrs and made it in 1.3 hrs.
Upon arriving at their given location, there was no boat to be found. He indicated that he'd drifted East and was sailing under his jib. I looked East and within three miles saw about four vessels under sail. As I made my way to each of them, none were ketch rigged. We kept in communication and he kept asking if I could see them. I asked for his GPS coordinates and was informed that the GPS was not working (usually a euphemism for “I can't work the damn thing.”) At this point the CG had a growing frustration with their lack of comms. I asked the CG to direction find them with their Rescue 21 (C4) equipment – but that fix was not good either.
Finally I asked the strand to reboot the GPS and leave it alone. He said he'd done that. I asked him to do it again. Low and behold, a fix. They were six miles away on the SW side of Point Roberts. He'd taken the jib down but failed to inform me.
Upon arriving, we hooked up for a stern tow. Once off the marina, I went to transition to a hip tow in about a 1.5 foot chop. He was unable or unwilling to understand my instructions and in the process Remedy received the road rash show above. At that point I decided to stern tow him to the dock. Former student Leeanne Woods is the assistant harbor master at Point Roberts and gave me the ok to leave him at the linear Customs dock where they would need to clear anyway.
We made our way to the dock with bear steerage way.
But wait, there's more...
Once the ketch was about two feet off the dock, he tossed his bow and stern lines to Leeanne and a local liveaboard who had come down to assist. The lines were thrown onto the dock but were not attached to the ketch, leaving both boats to drift off the dock.
But wait, there's more...
So ... I heaved Remedy's towline to the dock. Unbeknownst to all was the fact that the liveaboard was a trifle under the influence and he proceeded to fall into the water as he reached for my line. The liveaboard was now hanging onto Remedy's gunwhale. I tossed Leeanne a line, she secured Remedy, to the dock and we proceeded to extricate the liveaboard from the briny deep and secure the ketch.
But wait, there's more...
This run put the volume for 2008 over last year's record, and there's still three weeks to go.
(Ed. note: I can't wait!)
Friday, August 8, 2008
28' Bayliner with a failed fuel pump
Interesting is the fact that the Captain is a former Vessel Assist driver here.
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It was two years ago today
(Ed. note: It was in the wee hours of August 8, 2006 when the most harrowing call of my six seasons with Vessel Assist came in. Here is a repost of that event)
- It was a dark and stormy night!
- Fisherman's Life Saved / “Remedy” Damaged.USMA grad, Capt. Steve Partridge decided to come by a raft up to “Diligence.” We shared dinner and some sea stories, then hit the hay about 22:30 on August 7, 2006. At 23:30, Coast Guard Port Angeles issued a Mayday. A fishing boat boat off Salmon Bank taking on water. Les and I decided to run in both “Remedy” and “Relief.” Capt. Steve Partridge decides to come along in “Remedy.”Both rescue boats headed South through Cattle Pass. Les took the near shore as “Relief” is smaller. Steve and I head out towards the Salmon Bank Buoy. We see two fishing vessels and get along side to see if they are the ones in trouble. They are not.
- Group Port Angeles put a chopper in the air to assist the search. At about 00:30 the chopper spots a strobe in the water. We can also see it about a quarter mile off, and head in that direction. The seas are running three to four feet and the winds were 35 kts from the West. We got alongside the fisherman in the water and it ttook three heaves before he able to grab our line. Steve I and pull him aboard. (Steve is larger, younger, and stronger than I am.) I'm not sure I could have pulled him in alone. The cabin of “Remedy” is only large enough for two. The fisherman's boat had sunk. He had been pooped (water coming aboard over the transom) and his bilge pump failed. He entered the water with his survival suit in his hands, not on his bodyI coordinated with the CG, to take the fisherman to Cape San Juan and have EMS meet us there. We made it through Cattle Pass. Rounding Cape San Juan, I'm trying to keep the fisherman's attention off his boat, as well as trying to keep the cabin warm, peal of his survival suit, manage comms with the GG; Heilo, Safe Boat, Group PA, and Les, as well as navigate. I faiedl at the navigation part and clipped Harbor Reef, cracking the hull of “Remedy.”
- Les came along side and took the fisherman the remaining half mile to Cape San Juan.We backed “Remedy” off the reef, and Les put a tow line on her. "Remedy" was able to make way under her own power and her pumps kept up with the water. We dropped the towline and I made it back to Shipyard Cove. The damage was a little be more I had done in a rescue on the rocks the prior year and a less than Les had done the prior season during a a salvage.
Here's a pic of the damage to "Remedy"
"Virginia" in Eagle CoveThe was the "Virginia." The Coast Guard spotted it this morning (8/8/06) in a fly over at Eagle Cove. I spent four hours this afternoon coordinating our efforts.
Arriving on scene, the San Juan County Sheriff, (and USMA grad, Capt.) Bill Comming was aboard the Sheriff's boat "Guardian." He was nice enough to pass some snacks, in that it had been a long day.
Les arrived later and plugged the leaking fuel and we set an anchor. More fun a games tomorrow. I will probably sleep well tonight.
"Virginia" SalvagedThe vessel that sank on Monday evening was salvaged today (8/9/06) and towed to Jensen's Shipyard. He she is under tow by our salvage vessel "Jersey Girl." I ended up putting her int he slings with "Relief."
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Lady Sings the Blues
You may remember my dock neighbor Ellie now 10 years old. She's back! While most kids would do Pop, Country or Hip Hop, not the Ellster. Marching to her own drummer, Ellie has created original blues songs - and she's not shy.
I'll be able to say, "I knew her when."
Cause of Elwha Disabling Found
CG chimes in on Elwha.
SEATTLE - Coast Guard investigators from Sector Seattle discovered the cause of today's disabling of the ferry Elwha near Blakely Island.
An apparent cooling system failure in equipment for one of the vessel's main propulsion electrical systems is responsible for the vessel becoming disabled while in service. The ferry, now back under power, will be moved to Eagle Harbor, Wash., for repairs. It is expected to take two days for all necessary repairs to be made to the vessel.
The ferry Elwha was drifting in deep water today after it became disabled about a half-mile from Blakely Island with over 200 people aboard.
The Coast Guard Cutter Wahoo from Port Angeles, Wash., and the Coast Guard Cutter Osprey from Port Townsend, Wash., were enroute to the scene along with an MH-65 helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles and the tug Lindsay Foss when the Elwha's power returned. The Lindsay Foss and a smallboat crew from Station Bellingham are escorting the Elwha into Anacortes.
Navy and Canadian assets were prepared to assist if necessary.
Source: USCG release, here.
The ferry Elwha was drifting in deep water today after it became disabled about a half-mile from Blakely Island with over 200 people aboard.
The Coast Guard Cutter Wahoo from Port Angeles, Wash., and the Coast Guard Cutter Osprey from Port Townsend, Wash., were enroute to the scene along with an MH-65 helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles and the tug Lindsay Foss when the Elwha's power returned. The Lindsay Foss and a smallboat crew from Station Bellingham are escorting the Elwha into Anacortes.
Navy and Canadian assets were prepared to assist if necessary.
Source: USCG release, here.
(Ed. note: Looks like Moravian nailed it again.)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Moravian chimes in on Elwha
Elwha is a diesel electric system which uses Silicone Controlled Rectifiers (SCR) to convert AC to DC power. This is a system which generates a great deal of heat which must have cooling systems to carry that heat away. The Elwha has a cooling water system that works to do this.
Those of you who have been around awhile may remember the Elwha SCR failure that caused her to take out the Orcas dock ten years ago. In that case a SCR failed during a landing, the ship could not stop and so hit the dock.
In this case we have a slightly different casualty to the same system with the same outcome: complete power failure. Fortunately it did not occur during a landing.
Now, the fleet information remains sketchy, they tend to keep the information amongst themselves until Marta can manipulate the message for public consumption. Of course the consequnce of her doing so is that the public statement is vetted exclusively by landlubbers (hence the Steel Electric stern tube is part of the 'steering system')
What we understand is the vessel could be put back into service relatively soon by simply addressing the known defects. Fortunatly, the Coast Guard has leaders that have been around awhile, even though the WSF has not. The CG position is essentially this:
"If you, the WSDOT ferry division (there really is no WSF any more) want to put the Elwha back into service you need to do this, identify the actual cause of the casualty to our satisfaction. Then you need to tell us what you are going to do to prevent it from happening again. Then you have to correct the problem and prove to us that you have in fact made permanent repairs".
The above can be a tall order but I tell you it is in place because these are not always a simple matter.
Jumbo rising? Close but really it is just a reminder, a fateful shot across the bow. A predictable event in the mind of any maintainer. Too bad there was not one present when the decision to retire the Steel Electrics without a replacement vessel was made. It is that decision which exponentially exaggerates the consequences of any prolonged vessel casualty.
The Elwha casualty or even a real jumbo rising is not difficult to predict, in fact it is more difficult to predict that nothing will happen during the two or three years between Steel Electric retirement and Island Home redelivery.
As for the Elwha casualty, I am sure it was very cool, in an engineering sort of way. The Elwha uses a power island system. In this system all of the power to turn the propellors, keep the lights on and operate the navigation systems comes from the propulsion system. It does not normally use seperate generators to provide ship's service power.
When the propulsion system fails, all of the electrical services fail until the emergency generator comes on.
Even when you resolve the cause of the original problem, it is not always easy to transfer the emergency generator loads back to the repaired systems.
There is no fixing such a problem while the boat is approaching the dock during a landing. The alarms are going off, the captain is telling you what you already know, he is putting the telegraph on all astern (like that will help you concentrate on the computer's sudden demise.
Oh yes a very exciting few minutes.
Morv
When it rains - it pours
------ SMS Text ------
From: 36245
Sent: Aug 6, 2008 15:47
Subject: wsfinfo@WSDOT.WA.
wsfinfo@WSDOT.WA.GOV(Ferry Alert: Anacortes/San Juan Island's)The Yakama is delayed due to a vehicle accident on the transfer span in Anacortes.
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Another BE reader @ Cap Sante
Chris lives aboard in Friday Harbor and says it's cheaper to come to Anaco and do his laundry.
Hey Chris - spoken like a true Maine'r.
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You don't know me
Chuck is the head of the race committee in Anacortes and a member of the yacht club.
Thanks Chuck - we know you now.
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More on Elwha
Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez
Maritime Services
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From: Google Alerts <googlealerts-noreply@google.com>
Date: Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:21:02 -0700
To:
Subject: Google Alert - washington state ferries
Google News Alert for: washington state ferries
Ferry Elwha out longer than expected, delays in San Juans
Seattle Times - United States
The Washington state ferry system says it's taking longer than expected to repair the Elwha that went dead in the water in the San Juan Islands. ...
See all stories on this topic
Elwha Update from WSF
------ SMS Text ------
From: 36245
Sent: Aug 6, 2008 13:22
Subject: wsfinfo@WSDOT.WA.
wsfinfo@WSDOT.WA.GOV(Ferry Alert: Anacortes/San Juan Islands Elwha Out Of Service Up) Kaleetan will make Ex sailings from An to L, FH at 1:30pm. Fr L @ 2:45pm +
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26' Bayliner en route to La Conner
He's a member so the 10 hour round trip run for me is covered. I'll spend the evening at home in Anacortes.
Follow me back around 07:00 tomorrow.
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Elwha Secure, Anacortes
Just heard the tug Lindsay Foss secure with Seattle Traffic.
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Fw: wsfinfo@WSDOT.WA.
Text from WSF - you heard it here first
------ SMS Text ------
From: 36245
Sent: Aug 6, 2008 08:30
Subject: wsfinfo@WSDOT.WA.
wsfinfo@WSDOT.WA.GOV(Ferry Alert: Anacortes/San Juan Islands Elwha Out Of Service)Elwha out of service cancelled are 8:45am An/FH, 10:25am FH/An, 11:50am An/ +
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WSF Elwha Broken Down
I am underway for a tow at Sucia. Just heard Elwha hail the tug Lindsay Foss to pick them up off Frost Island.
Don't know if WSF has any reserve boats to take her place.
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SS Great Eastern
Dark Roasted Blend, my Picture Blog of choice featured The Last Victorian Leviathan Steam Ship.
More info from Wikipedia on Great Eastern relates:
The SS Great Eastern was an iron sailing steam ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. She was the largest ship ever built at the time of her 1858 launch, and had the capacity to carry 4,000 passengers around the world without refueling. Her length was only surpassed in 1899, by the 705 feet (215 m) 17,274 gross ton RMS Oceanic, and her tonnage in 1901, by the 700 feet (210 m) and 21,035 gross ton RMS Celtic. Brunel knew her affectionately as the "great babe". He died shortly after her launch in 1858.
The full Wikipedia post is here.
Friday Harbor Captain's Course
Yes, there's still some room available for the course that begins on Tuesday September 2, 2008.
I also have time in November and December to create a customized course for you and or your organization. Have material - can travel. Contact me for details.
You can reach me for details on either of the above, here.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Capt. Pierce pays a visit
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I've been Examined
Laura Vecsey over at Examiner/Seattle called for an interview yesterday.
Ahoy, matey: Capt. says rogue waves possible in Northwest waters
Here's an excerpt:
So, what's on your list today of summertime activities? A trip to Ocean Shores? An Argosy cruise around Elliott Bay? A ferry ride to Port Townsend or Whidbey? Or, maybe you'd like to stroll Cannon Beach, or maybe take in some whale watching near Neah Bay?Just watch out for that ... rogue wave. But instead of finding solace in the idea that rogue waves would not be plausible in the bays and straits around the Washington state coast, I found the exact opposite to be the case. Captain Richard Rodriguez (pictured left) a rescue tug captain out of Friday Harbor and an instructor for Master's (Captain's) Licensing, is the author of a maritime blog called BitterEnd. Capt. Rodriguez took a moment out of his busy tug boating day to assure me that indeed, rogue waves are perfectly capable of forming in and around the inlets and bays.
"Given the right meteological conditions and currents, rogue waves can and have formed in our waters,'' Capt. Rodriguez said.
Indeed, Capt. Rodriguez's blog carried a post about a rogue wave report that hit the Olympas, an orca-watching boat, off Port Townsend last August.
The full Examiner post is here.
Canadian Ice Breaker Videos
Don't know how to describe this link, but think you will like the 6 videos form CCG ice breaker
'Amundsen', staying in the arctic ice pack for the winter 2007/2008.
(Ed. note: Thanks to BE reader Rod Pugh for the above.)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Burgee Artwork
Here's the artwork from Prestige Flags for the BE Burgee. They will be here in time for the BitterEnd Raft Up 2.0. Twenty five burgee's have been ordered. Let me know if you'd like to reserve one by emailing me here for more info. Note the background color is a little different due to availability of fabric.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Derelict to Friday Harbor
Just rounding Upright Head
This vessel had washed ashore on Trump Island this morning. We have it under tow for FH. She'll be part of the DNR derelict vessel program. She tows like a pig because of years of growth on her bottom.
Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez
Maritime Services
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Am I a commercial vessel?
Capt. Rodriguez,
I was hoping you could clear up a bit of confusion for me regarding vessel classification for right of way rules. As a sailing instructor coaching from a powerboat (15' whaler) on a local lake (72 ColReg waters,) am I considered a commercial vessel? The job is my current livelihood. Also, how does accompanying sailboats as a safety/assist vessel affect my rights on the water? Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Fair winds,
Sam
-----
Hi Sam,
The short answer is yes because you receive compensation. The important caveat is that you are also required to be licensed by the CG. The size of the vessel does not matter.
At the very minimum an OUPV (six pac) will work the the type of work you are doing. Once you tow a vessel for hire, even a Lazer, a Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement is a additional requirement.
Commercial vessels must follow the same rules as private vessels and visa versa – the rules do not differentiate between the two. If you are towing, you must show the appropriate lights, shapes and sounds, even if you are in a in Boston Whaler, towing a Lazer. Claiming to be restricted in ability to maneuver, requires a different set of lights and shapes.
Here's the pecking order of vessels: (It is important to note that size and commercial states do not play a role, with the exception of vessels that are engaged in fishing.)
Overtaken
Not Under Command
Restricted in Ability to Maneuver
Constrained by Draft
Fishing (commercial, not sport, charter or trolling)
Sailing
Power Driven
Sea Planes
Wing in Ground Vessels
I would strongly urge you to become licensed. Should you have an incident and or be stopped by the Coast Guard, you will face a heavy fine. Licensed mariners know the rules like the back of their hand.
Richard
Fragmenting Arctic ice shelf a sign of warming temperatures: scientist
click HERE for video
In the summer of 2002, graduate student Derek Mueller made an unwelcome discovery: the biggest ice shelf in the Arctic was breaking apart. The bad news didn’t stop there. Lying along the northern coast of Ellesmere Island in northern Canada, the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf had dammed an epishelf lake, a body of freshwater that floats on denser ocean water. This epishelf lake, located in Disraeli Fiord, was host to a rare ecosystem, and it was the largest and best-understood epishelf lake in the Northern Hemisphere. When the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf fractured, the epishelf lake suddenly drained out of Disraeli Fiord, spilling more than 3 billion cubic meters of fresh water into the Arctic Ocean.
The full post is here.
(Ed. note: Thanks to BitterEnd reader Rod Pugh for the above info.)
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Halyard tow established
This vessel was 2.2 miles from his reported position at the other end of Wasp Passage.
Smallest Day Shape I've ever seen
This on the boat selling prawns at Deer Harbor.
While waiting for the tide to rise on the job above and below (there was no need to stay on scene and continue charging the strand) I made my way to Deer Harbor for coffee. I had a chance to visit fellow classmate Capt. Ward Fay aboard Aura. On the way back to Remedy the boat selling prawns had the cutest little day shape for a vessel engaged in fishing (commercial - not sport, charter, or trolling.)
Aground at Bell Rock
From the cameraBlackBerry pic
Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez
Maritime Services
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Rules of the Road (abbreviated)
Give her right rudder & show your red
Green to green red to red
Perfect safety go ahead
If to starboard red appears
It is your duty to keep clear
To act as judgment says is proper
Port or starboard
Back her stop her
But if upon your port is seen
A steamers starboard light of green
There's not much for you to do
For green to port keeps clear of you
Both in safety and in doubt
Always keep a sharp lookout
In danger with no room to turn
Ease her - stop her - go astern
(Ed. note: Thanks to former student, Capt. Jack Rothrock for passing this along.)
Friday, August 1, 2008
And the Winner Is
Copyright © 2008, Capt. Richard J. RodriguezCongratulations to Mike F. of Bremerton, WA. for his winning design
The aquamarine octopus* on a dark blue ground symbolizes the Salish Sea, BitterEnd's stomping grounds (so to speak).* Enteroctopus dolfleini, the giant Pacific octopus -- indigenous to the Puget Sound and the largest octopus on the planet. I like the idea that one's always lurking somewhere below the surface.
(Ed. note: The burgees have been ordered and I hope to have them back by the time of the BitterEnd Raft Up 2.0.)
Remember all are invited to this very informal event at Fossil Bay, Sucia Island.
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